Kesra, the highest village in Tunisia, has a myriad of joys to offer. Located in northwest Tunisia, Kesra is at a height equal to 1100 meters above sea level. Do you feel the need to clear your mind and escape to an exceptional place? It is the perfect village to answer your wish.
WildyNess teal guides you through this city famous for its megalithic monuments, its waterfall and its stairs carved in the rock. Find out in this article everything you need to have an enriching experience in Kesra.
An extraordinary place awaits you, for an original day with unique people.
How to get to Kesra?
In the governorate of Siliana lies an extraordinary and surprising region. Kesra is a village endowed with an irreproachable charm while keeping a traditional touch. Considered as the highest village of the country, located at 1100 meters of altitude, this village is 160 kilometers from the city of Tunis in the governorate of Siliana.
By Car
To get there by car, the journey will only take 2 hours and 47 minutes if you follow the road to Jebel Oust, El Fahs, Bargou and Sidi Hmada until your destination, Kesra.
By Bus
If you prefer to enjoy a breathtaking view during your journey, the ideal is to take the bus, which in addition makes you avoid the stress and fatigue of driving.
Simply go to Bab Alioua station and take the bus to Oueslatia. It is important to mention that there is only one bus per day at 13:00 which costs 8.970 dt.
Your estimated time of arrival at this destination is 3:50 pm. Once you arrive in Oueslatia, you only have 31.3 kilometers to finish by cab, or 32 minutes.
However, it is always advisable to ask on the spot for the cheapest way to get to Kesra.
The Enriching History of Kesra
Kesra is an incredibly special region. It is characterized by a unique setting which holds surprising charm. This magical place has managed to preserve its Berber traditions over time while maintaining its outstanding architecture and breathtaking landscape.
With dwellings reminiscent of the Middle Ages, or even antiquity, Kesra is characterized by its historical monuments easily identifiable thanks to the stones contained in the walls of the houses.
You will also be able to observe traces of the megalithic period of which the village has preserved a cover of large slab and also tombs dug in the rock.
Do not forget of course the other buildings that date all the way back to the Byzantine period. These buildings were erected with ancient materials and are for example the tower, the walls and the quadrangular fortress that date from the Justinian period.
What Makes Kesra Unique?
Kesra is one of the most beautiful regions of Tunisia. It is an exceptional little corner of paradise which boasts magnificent architectures and splendid landscapes.
The Panoramas:
Indeed, the beauty of the panoramas on the fields, the lakes and the forests of pines of Alep and the oaks offer an extraordinary sight.
The Waterfalls:
The particularity of the city of Kesra is to be crowned by waterfalls. Unique in its kind, the Byzantine citadel is characterized by the abundance of its water resources, which come from a multitude of runoff. This region is classified among the first five Berber villages of Tunisia.
You will not be disappointed by your visit to this extraordinary city full of history and charm.
What to Do in Kesra for a Unique Experience
Kesra is a small village that does not require any transportation or car. To fully enjoy it, don't hesitate to walk around to admire the original beauty of this wonderful city.
Do not forget to stop in front of the Berber museum of Kesra. This heritage museum holds a collection of various traditions and customs as well as authentic jewelry. With an area of 436 square meters, this building is located in the heart of the city, right at the foot of what remains of the Byzantine citadel.
To top off your visit, there's nothing more enjoyable than discovering the local restaurants and cafes. During your stay you'll find everything you need to take a break from the gorgeous panoramic view.
Sit on a Berber carpet on a terrace with a splendid view or enjoy a tasty mint tea or Turkish coffee in the café de la Source in Kesra. You will also find traditional dishes prepared by local women. On the menu, you will find mechouia salad, briks, a delicious lamb couscous and of course the famous hot tabouna in the restaurant de la Paix.
Hikes to Do in Kesra
Many hikes end in Kesra. After a sweaty day of hiking, there is nothing more spectacular than to end the walk in style. It's a great way to get away from it all and relax from the stress of everyday life.
It is essential to note that the walks in this region are quite easy and within everyone's reach since they do not require much effort. On the contrary, ending your tour in Kesra will only bring you good!
When you arrive in Kesra, start with a simple visit to the archaeological site, which is only 18 minutes away from the center of the village.
Then, you can't get to the site without passing through the center of Kesra. Between the small paths and the waterfalls, we recommend that you start by visiting the Berber museum and finish your day with a coffee in the corner.
To fully enjoy Kesra, we recommend that you devote a whole day to walk through the Aleppo pine forest and explore the spectacular waterfalls of this charming region.
This route is easy to attempt and well worth the effort.
Kesra's Best Instagram Spots
The Berber Staircases
The famous stone carved staircases are essentially what makes the city special. This staircase offers a unique character to Kesra and reflects its original, colorful and fantastic side.
For photography lovers, nothing is more Instagrammable than this staircase that curls upwards on both sides of huge rocks and leads you to the top of the mountain.
The Panoramic View
Higher up in the village of Kesra, take the opportunity to take this magical Instagram photo that reveals a panoramic view of this special region of Siliana.
In addition to the cultural heritage, the charm of the small town of Kesra lies in the splendid landscape with which it abounds. An extraordinary beauty rises as far as the eye can see on the fields via lakes, fig trees, olive trees and forests. A panoramic view accompanies you, in fact, throughout your walk which perfectly complements the scenery of a unique and enchanting natural environment.
The panoramic point is on the left, when you climb the Berber stairs.
Guided Tour of Kesra
When visiting Kesra, nothing is more convenient than to be guided by a local guide. This allows you to have an exceptional adventure and enjoy every magical corner of the village.
Moreover, when you let yourself be guided by a local, you are sure to visit only the right places and the right addresses. No need to prepare your way in advance, your guide will do what is necessary in order to deliver an excellent service.
The beauty of the scenery and the simplicity of life of its inhabitants attract the attention of visitors from all over the world. Do not hesitate to visit Kesra and enjoy a rewarding day in an exceptional and splendid natural landscape.
Kesra, the high and charming city
In addition to its cultural heritage, the charm of the small town of Kesra lies in the splendid landscape of which it abounds. An extraordinary beauty that rises as far as the eye can see over fields via lakes, fig trees, olive trees and forests. A panoramic view accompanies you throughout your walk in the village surroundings and perfectly completes the decor of this unique and bewitching natural environment.
